Due Tuesday: Three copies of a draft of your Argument Essay with your code name.
Essay Title: The title should be your statement followed by a word count: example, “I Am Going to Become a Compassionate Judge in the Court System, 450 words.” NOTE: You don't have to stick with the statement you brought to class; if you change it, you'll still be getting lots of peer feedback in the workshop Tuesday.
Also, your statement does not have to be about a profession. It can be about a quality --"I'm going to become an awesome friend that knows how to help others," or "My fitness and health is going to improve so much that I'll be a great example to others." Just make it a really positive statement that you believe about yourself.
The essay is made up of a three-part claim, which is a logical argument in support of your positive statement about yourself. It is followed by a negative criticism of your statement, and your rebuttal of that criticism. Begin your writing process by thinking about the comments your classmate made on the exercise you brought to class on Tuesday. Make sure you understand the comments. You’ll be turning this sheet in with your final package.
The suggested length is 400-500 words. Below is an outline with a suggested number of words for each section.
1. Title this section "First premise". It consists of a strong reason why your statement is true and some backup for that reason. Example: “Because I was President of the Law Club for two years in high school ---” Here, give examples of how this prepared you for your goal. 100-150 words.
2. Title this section "Second premise." It gives another strong reason why your statement is true. Example: “Because judges exhibit Perspective Wisdom, which is my top Signature Strength ---” Give examples. If they fit, feel free to refer to examples from your Signature Strengths or your What Interests You and/or other exercises. 100-150 words.
3. Conclusion: ”Therefore, I feel confident that I’ll become a compassionate Judge in the court system.” Here, state how you feel about this accomplishment. 25-50 words.
4. Rebuttal: “Ms. Mueller, my high school economics teacher, told me I would be best off becoming a secretary or salesperson rather than trying for a responsible position. She made this statement because -----. I have already proven her wrong by -----.” Give examples. 75-100 words.
3 points off for every fragment, comma splice or fused sentence. 1 point off for every misspelled word. Points off for grammar errors, punctuation errors, messy printing, spacing errors, etc., and especially for lack of clarity of thinking.
Good grades are earned by essays making strong and believable arguments with specific examples that tell mini-stories (not “I have always felt” but “I have done”).
Extra credit for using a tutor, for the draft and/or for the final version. If you see a tutor, show her/him these instructions. #####
Three copies of a draft of your Argument Essay with your code name.
Essay Title: The title should be your statement followed by a word count: example, “I Am Going to Become a Compassionate Judge in the Court System, 450 words.”
NOTE: You don't have to stick with the statement you brought to class; if you change it, you'll still be getting lots of peer feedback in the workshop Tuesday.
Also, your statement does not have to be about a profession. It can be about a quality --"I'm going to become an awesome friend that knows how to help others," or "My fitness and health is going to improve so much that I'll be a great example to others." Just make it a really positive statement that you believe about yourself.
The essay is made up of a three-part claim, which is a logical argument in support of your positive statement about yourself. It is followed by a negative criticism of your statement, and your rebuttal of that criticism. Begin your writing process by thinking about the comments your classmate made on the exercise you brought to class on Tuesday. Make sure you understand the comments. You’ll be turning this sheet in with your final package.
The suggested length is 400-500 words. Below is an outline with a suggested number of words for each section.
1. Title this section "First premise". It consists of a strong reason why your statement is true and some backup for that reason. Example: “Because I was President of the Law Club for two years in high school ---” Here, give examples of how this prepared you for your goal. 100-150 words.
2. Title this section "Second premise." It gives another strong reason why your statement is true. Example: “Because judges exhibit Perspective Wisdom, which is my top Signature Strength ---” Give examples. If they fit, feel free to refer to examples from your Signature Strengths or your What Interests You and/or other exercises. 100-150 words.
3. Conclusion: ”Therefore, I feel confident that I’ll become a compassionate Judge in the court system.” Here, state how you feel about this accomplishment. 25-50 words.
4. Rebuttal: “Ms. Mueller, my high school economics teacher, told me I would be best off becoming a secretary or salesperson rather than trying for a responsible position. She made this statement because -----. I have already proven her wrong by -----.” Give examples. 75-100 words.
3 points off for every fragment, comma splice or fused sentence. 1 point off for every misspelled word. Points off for grammar errors, punctuation errors, messy printing, spacing errors, etc., and especially for lack of clarity of thinking.
Good grades are earned by essays making strong and believable arguments with specific examples that tell mini-stories (not “I have always felt” but “I have done”).
Extra credit for using a tutor, for the draft and/or for the final version. If you see a tutor, show her/him these instructions. #####